Snohomish wins state lacrosse title

SEATTLE — The Snohomish Lacrosse Club boys team captured its first Division II state championship with a 7-4 win over Garfield High School at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, avenging last year’s opening-round playoff loss to the Bulldogs.

Along with strong goaltending by Glacier Peak senior goaltender Tucker Cooper, Snohomish took advantage of its depth to shut down the No. 3 seed Bulldogs, who had won seven of their last eight games coming into the championship game.

“The boys executed the game plan perfectly. We knew we had a little more depth than them,” said Snohomish coach Chris Cote.

After battling goal-for-goal in the first half, Snohomish (19-1 overall) emerged from the intermission with a 3–3 tie to frustrate the Garfield (13-7) offense and steadily pull away for their 16th straight win.

“We were right where we wanted to be (at the half), we knew that our guys were fresh and feeling pretty comfortable. We had three lines of fresh guys just coming in waves,” said Cote.

It was the first appearance in the state title game for the Snohomish boys team and the Division II state title is the third overall for the program since its inaugural year in 2002. Snohomish won the girls Division II state title in 2005 and 2008.

“This is pretty intense. I always thought Snohomish was considered a bunch of ruffians. Now we’re state champions,” said Cooper, who had 12 saves on the day. “This team really came together. We bonded. I never thought we would get here.”

Following a goal by Glacier Peak freshman Miles Russon to put Snohomish up 4–3 just 1:09 into the second half, Cooper went to work turning away five Bulldog shots to hand on to the slim one-goal advantage. With just 34 seconds remaining in the third, Snohomish junior Harrison Wartes scored his second goal of the day to make it 5–3 just before the final quarter.

With two more goals by Austin Tippett at 5:45 and 5:15 in the fourth quarter, Snohomish held off Garfield, allowing only one goal, an unassisted score by Jackson Lanning with 4:22 remaining in the game.

Last year’s Snohomish team, which draws from local area high schools including Snohomish, Glacier Peak, Archbishop Murphy, and Lake Stevens, as well as Cavalero Middle School, was tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the Division II state title before being ousted unexpectedly from the playoffs. With a new, team-first approach, the Panthers dropped just one game this year, a road loss to Division I Lake Washington 17–10 on March 22, en route to the state title.

“We didn’t live up to last year’s pre-season billing, but this year, the boys weren’t really worried about individual accolades or poll rankings,” Cote said. “It was a great day for our club and for our boys — they worked really hard.

“This is the most important win for high school lacrosse in the North Sound community,” said Cote. “Seven years from now, the kids playing on our youth teams will look to this championship.”

At Memorial Stadium

Snohomish1222—7

Garfield2101—4

Snohomish 7, Garfield 4 (Austin Tippett, SNO, 3 goals, 2 assists, 3 ground balls; Gabe Girgus, SNO, 2 goals, 1 assist; Harrison Wartes, SNO, 2 goals, 4 ground balls, 3 ground balls; Brandon Todd, SNO, 1 assist; Jared Booth, SNO, 3 ground balls; Tucker Cooper, SNO, 12 saves; Cedric Rhodes, G, 1 goal, 1 assist; 3 ground balls; Charlie Phelps, G, 1 goal, 1 assist; Carl Barnes, G, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 ground balls ; Montana Reed, G, 1 goal, 2 ground balls; Jackson Lanning, G, 1 goal, 7 ground balls; Elliott Voss, G, 2 ground balls; Danny Strick, G, 4 saves)

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.